County Attorney

Arlington County is seeking an experienced and talented legal advisor to serve as the next County Attorney. Reporting to the County Board, the County Attorney provides chief legal counsel and advice to the County Board, County Manager, County departments, and County Board-appointed agencies, boards and commissions. This is an exciting opportunity to serve the public, address multifaceted legal challenges, and collaborate with elected officials to carry out County Board and County leadership priorities.

The Ideal Candidate is an experienced attorney, motivated to serve the public, with an understanding of the complexities and challenges of municipal government, a strong record of achievement, and high ethical standards.

Minimum requirements include: 

Leadership & Commitment:

• Commitment to serve Arlington residents through effective, efficient, innovative, ethical, and transparent County policies and procedures.  
• Proven track record as a strategic advisor to a board of directors, elected officials, or other governing body. A reputation for “getting to yes”, providing solution-oriented legal advice while identifying risks and navigating operational realities.
• Experience supervising, directing, and coordinating a legal department or team, including developing attorney and staff, selecting and managing outside counsel, and setting priorities.
• Success creating an inclusive and diverse work culture that attracts, develops, and retains top talent.

Experience:

• Significant senior level experience practicing local/municipal law or related field, including successfully developing sound strategies positions as a city/county Attorney or in a private law firm advising municipal governments with a full range of services.
• Extensive knowledge of current legal developments and federal, state, and local statutes, regulations, rules, and ordinances.
• Experience litigating complex cases or managing large, complex legal matters and providing legal recommendations.
• Excellent communication, research and analytical skills.
• A valid license to practice law in Virginia, or a U.S. state with an applicable reciprocity agreement.
• A Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. 

Special Requirements:

Please attach a resume and cover letter describing your interest in the County Attorney position and detailing your experience and accomplishments in the areas above.

Completion of the Commonwealth of Virginia Statement of Economic Interest form is required upon hire, and annually thereafter. 

Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It will include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You will be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information. 

Additional Information:

This recruitment is open until the position is filled with a preferred filling date of August 8, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis. Applications submitted by this date will receive first consideration. 

The salary range is negotiable. Starting salary will depend upon the qualifications and experience of the candidate selected. 

Weekend and evening work is required.

Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the selection process and are required for this position. 

Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The official title for this position is County Attorney.

This position is eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, as well as a generous retirement plan.

For more information on Arlington County’s generous benefits and retirement plan, click here.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

#LI-Onsite

• Serve as a strategic partner to the County Board, developing strategies, options, and proactive analysis of risks and opportunities to deliver key policy objectives to serve Arlington residents.  
• Act as County’s chief legal advisor, providing sound legal advice on significant policy areas, code/ordinances, land use, litigation, financial matters, negotiations, economic development, contracts, employment, collective bargaining, etc.
• Manage complex and sensitive legal matters, provide legal recommendations, analyze disputes, review decisions and make recommendations, and negotiate litigation matters with other lawyers in private practice and in federal, State, and local governments.
• Lead and manage the County Attorney’s Office (CAO) team, comprising in-house professional and paraprofessional legal staff of 18, with an annual operating budget of $4,645,000. Manage overall budget, including judicious use of outside counsel, experts, and technology.
• Serve as a key part of the County’s senior leadership team, shaping strategies to implement County Board priorities, including housing, economic development, civil rights protections, public safety, transparency, community engagement, and climate action.